The first step in becoming an underwater explorer

The PADI Open water diver certification is the world’s most popular diving course and is the first step in becoming a certified scuba diver. You start by completing the e-learning course in your own time, before joining us to complete your in-water training which includes 4 open water dives and teaches you essential skills to start your dive journey.

During the PADI Open Water Diver course, you’ll learn what you need to know to explore the underwater world using scuba. Most people find it a rewarding challenge.

The PADI Open Water Diver course includes three parts: Knowledge Development, Confined Water Dives, and Open Water Dives. 

Knowledge Development covers the principles, concepts, and terms you need to know for dive safety and enjoyment. During the Confined Water Dives, you will learn and practice scuba skills in a pool or in the protected waters of Divi Bay where you will enjoy making one or more mini dives, which take you through the same steps you follow when you make open water dives. To complete training you practice, apply, and demonstrate what you learn during four Open Water Dives at the most suitable dive sites around the island.

Earning a PADI Open Water Diver certification shows that you met the course requirements. Dive centers and resorts require proof of certification before they will rent scuba equipment, fill scuba cylinders, or book dive excursions. As a PADI Open Water Diver, you’ll be trained to a maximum depth of 18 meters/60 feet, and are qualified to dive in conditions as good as, or better than, those in which you trained. It’s just the beginning of a lifetime filled with dive adventures.

Age Requirement: 10 years or older

Course Prerequisites: Able to swim; medically fit for diving

Equipment

In the PADI Open Water Diver course, you learn to use basic scuba gear, including a mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device, and a tank. The equipment you wear varies, depending upon whether you’re diving in tropical, temperate or cold water.

Check with your local dive center about the gear you’ll use during this course and get advice about everything you need from your PADI Instructor.

You can start your learning now with PADI’s home-study materials – Open Water Diver eLearning. You should also stop by your local PADI dive shop to enroll in the course and speak to a PADI Instructor about scheduling time for in-water training. Your instructor will also answer any questions you have along the way and check your progress to make sure you understand important scuba diving information.